What is therapy and how does it work?

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a collaborative process between you and a trained mental health professional. At Wicker Park Therapy Group, we take a relational, psychodynamic approach, focusing on how your past experiences, relationships, and unconscious patterns shape your present life. This process goes beyond symptom relief, fostering deeper self-understanding, stronger relationships, and long-term emotional well-being.

What types of therapy do you offer?

• Psychodynamic Therapy
  A depth-oriented, weekly therapy that helps you understand how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape emotions, relationships, and choices—so you can respond more freely in the present.

• Psychoanalysis
  An intensive, longer-term treatment (often multiple sessions per week) focused on exploring unconscious conflicts, dreams, and recurring relational patterns to foster deep structural change.

• Couples Therapy
  Work with both partners to improve communication, repair trust, and shift stuck interaction cycles—centering each person’s needs, attachment patterns, and shared goals.

• Family Therapy
  Treats the family as a system, addressing roles, boundaries, and stressors to improve connection, problem-solving, and the home environment for everyone.

• NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM)
  A trauma-informed, attachment-focused approach for complex and developmental trauma that helps clients regulate the nervous system, reduce shame, and build capacity for connection in the here-and-now.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  Builds psychological flexibility by helping you accept difficult thoughts and feelings, clarify values, and take committed action aligned with what matters most.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  A structured, skills-based therapy that identifies unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors and tests new, more effective ways of thinking and acting.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  Combines acceptance and change strategies, teaching practical skills—mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—to manage intense emotions and relationships.

How is psychodynamic therapy different from other approaches?

Unlike short-term or skills-only methods, psychodynamic therapy uncovers the underlying causes of emotional distress. We examine how early experiences, unconscious feelings, and recurring patterns influence your life today. This deeper work creates space for long-lasting change because it addresses the root, not just the surface symptoms.

Why is the therapist–client relationship important?

In relational psychodynamic work, the therapy relationship itself is a powerful tool for growth. Your experience with your therapist may mirror patterns from other relationships, offering opportunities to understand and change them. Many clients find that the trust developed in therapy becomes a model for healthier relationships in daily life.

Who can benefit from therapy?

Therapy is for anyone seeking self-understanding, emotional clarity, or more fulfilling relationships. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many of our clients explore recurring relational patterns, feelings of emptiness, or transitions in life or career. Our therapists in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood provide a space for meaningful exploration and growth.

What happens in a therapy session?

In a psychodynamic session, we look beyond immediate issues to the deeper emotional patterns beneath them. You’ll explore your thoughts, feelings, and relationship experiences. Your therapist will help you see patterns you may not have noticed, creating space for new ways of relating to yourself and others.

Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?

Yes. Decades of studies show psychodynamic therapy helps with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and more. Benefits often continue after therapy ends as insight deepens and new patterns take hold.

How often should I attend therapy?

We usually recommend weekly sessions, especially early in therapy, to establish trust and continuity. In psychodynamic work, the relationship itself is part of the healing—regular attendance allows it to deepen. Some clients choose more frequent sessions for intensive work.

How long does therapy last overall?

The duration depends on your goals. Some people come for months to address a specific challenge; others stay for years to explore deeper relational and emotional patterns.

What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?

The therapist–client connection is central to effective therapy. If something feels off, we encourage you to bring it up—it can be part of the work itself. If you decide a different therapist might suit you better, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Therapy is confidential, with certain legal exceptions related to safety. This privacy allows therapy to be a secure space for exploring difficult thoughts and feelings.

Does insurance cover therapy?

We accept BCBS PPO plans and can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage, copays, and deductibles.

Can therapists prescribe medication?

We don’t prescribe medication, but we can coordinate with psychiatrists or prescribing providers in Chicago to ensure comprehensive care.

How can I find the right therapist in Chicago?

You can read our therapists’ bios on the Wicker Park Therapy Group website, schedule a consultation call, or reach out to discuss your needs. We match clients with therapists who align with their goals, offering therapy across Chicago from our welcoming Wicker Park office.